Ontario Investing $255,260 to Train Peterborough Fire Services in Peterborough
Skills Development Fund investing in Fire Services Technical Rescue Certification Training
LOCATION -The Ontario government is committing $255,260 through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to support a Fire Services Technical Rescue Certification Training Program. This initiative aims to equip members of the Peterborough Fire Service with the necessary skills to meet the technical rescue standards outlined in the Provincial Regulation Firefighter Certification. With this latest funding round, Ontario’s total investment through the Skills Development Fund reaches up to $1.4 billion.
“Under Premier Ford, our government has an ambitious plan to build Ontario: from new housing that families can call home, to highways and public transit connecting our communities, and clean energy projects powering our economy. But after years of neglect and under-investment in the trades from previous Liberal governments, one in three tradespeople are nearing retirement, “said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That’s why we’re partnering with local employers, unions, and educators to pass on the expertise and wisdom of the Golden Generation of Skilled Tradespeople to the next generation of students, apprentices, and workers who will build Ontario’s bright future.”
“This latest round of SDF funding emphasizes the significance of ongoing professional development and demonstrates the government’s dedication to investing in its workforce,” said Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “As the challenges encountered by emergency responders change, it is essential that their skills and knowledge adapt as well. The Fire Services Technical Rescue Certification Training Program exemplifies the proactive measures being implemented to keep first responders leading in safety and innovation.” MPP Smith added.
Through the SDF, the government is investing up to $1.4 billion through SDF’s Training Stream and the Capital Stream which are designed to recruit, train and upskill workers and build or upgrade training centres for the skilled trades.
“This funding ensures that our firefighters are equipped with the critical skills needed to meet modern rescue challenges and reinforces the importance of preparing our local firefighters to protect lives. It is a critical component in public safety,” said Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal. “I want to thank the Province of Ontario for recognizing the needs of our city and supporting our fire services with this vital initiative through the Skills Development Fund.”
“Peterborough Fire Services must be ready to respond to complex and challenging situations. This investment in the Fire Services Technical Rescue Certification Training Program ensures our team is equipped with the technical skills and latest training needed to meet provincial certification standards and provide the highest level of service to our community,” said Peterborough Fire Services Chief Chris Snetsinger. “This funding strengthens our ability to protect lives and property and supports the ongoing development of our dedicated firefighters.”
“Community safety is a top priority for all of us, and investments like this in our local fire services are vital to ensuring the well-being of our residents. The $255,260 in funding through the Skills Development Fund will help strengthen Peterborough firefighters’ ability to respond to emergencies and protect lives,” remarked Community Services co-chairs Councillor Lesley Parnell and Councillor Alex Bierk.
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect approximately 600,000 workers train or upskill for careers in the trades in their local communities, including over 92,000 manufacturing workers, over 66,000 construction workers, over 36,000 PSWs and healthcare workers, and over 27,000 mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction workers.
Quick Facts
- Ontario’s $224 million SDF Capital Stream was launched by Premier Ford in June 2023.
- People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
- The Capital Stream of the Skills Development Fund is exclusively funded by the Government of Ontario.
- The Training Stream of the Skills Development Fund is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
- As the Government of Canada has unilaterally cut over $230 million annually from Ontario’s Labour Market Transfer Agreements, which support employment and settlement service programs, Ontario continues to call for the federal government to reinstate this critical funding for Ontario workers and jobseekers.
Additional Resources
MEDIA CONTACTS
Dave Smith Action Centre
705-742-3777
David.smith@pc.ola.org